Operation Yuletide : Tackling Retail Crime Over The Festive Period

Operation Yuletide Tackling Retail Crime
Operation Yuletide Tackling Retail Crime

As part of Humberside Police’s Operation Yuletide activity this festive period extra patrols will be out in high footfall shopping areas across the force to reassure the public and businesses that crime and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

In retail areas uniformed officers and PCSOs will be providing high visibility patrols at key times in the run up to , with support from covert resources.

The high visibility patrols aim to:
• Reassure shoppers they can prepare for Christmas in a safe environment;
• Deter opportunist thieves who target retailers and shoppers;
• Tackle anti-social behaviour and street begging
• Provide crime prevention advice to shop keepers and members of the public
• Proactively target know prolific thieves.
Chief Inspector Michelle Garlick said: “The festive period is the busiest time of the year for shops with large numbers of shoppers hitting the streets to buy presents for their loved ones. To reflect this extra footfall in retail areas we will be having an addition police presence to reassures shoppers and support retailers.

“By putting extra Officers and PCSOs into busy retail areas we hope to prevent and deter offending by unscrupulous thieves looking to take advantage of the hustle and bustle to commit shop theft or steal from shoppers, respond quickly to crimes and deal with anti-social behaviour that effects the publics shopping experience and businesses trade.”

Last December there were 575 reported shop thefts across Humberside* and the extra resources are aiming to reduce this.

Officers and PCSOs working on the operation will be visiting shops to engage with staff and security teams to assist them with preventing crime in their premises and quickly dealing with shop theft incidents. There will be a specific focus on those stores that are most vulnerable to thieves.

Prolific shop thieves have been identified in key areas and police resources will be taking proactive steps to deter any further offending.

Those responsible for anti-social behaviour will also be dealt with robustly to ensure their behaviour doesn’t adversely impact on those working and shopping in the run up to Christmas.

The patrols will also focus on prevention of crime, with advice for shoppers on how to keep themselves and their property safe.

C/Insp Garlick added: ““I would urge the public to get behind us in making the shopping experience a good one, by being aware of their personal security, leaving vehicles secure and reporting people responsible for crime and anti-social behaviour to the police and retailers. Together let’s make the Christmas shopping experience a good one and prevent crime together.”

You can also do your bit to support our efforts. Here are our five top tips:
1. Don’t be distracted with the hustle and bustle of shopping and be aware of where your valuables are and who is around you. Keep your wallet and handbag safe and don’t leave shopping unattended.
2. If you leave shopping in your car make sure you lock your vehicle, store items in the boot and don’t leave purchases on display – don’t make it easy for car thieves.
3. Don’t carry lots of cash and protect your pin at cash points.
4. Don’t take valuables with you don’t need.
5. If you witness someone stealing at a shop, make a member of staff aware.

For further advice on keeping yourself and property safe over the Christmas period visit our virtual on-line Yuletide Christmas Calendar. Behind each window of the calendar you will find a Yuletide related Christmas video aimed at highlighting the work of the force, helping to keep you safe or simply bringing a smile to your face.

*Humberside Police Performance Data December 2015.
Stats for North East Lincolnshire – 138, North Lincolnshire – 78, East Riding of Yorkshire – 80, – 297



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